Exclusive interview with singer Elodie Adams

Posted on Jun 23, 2015

Elodie Adams is an artist that defines her style as “Australian Neo-Romantic Post-Industrial Stalker-Rock”. I became to know her through a game I played recently, where one of her songs was used, and I decided she absolutely had to have her own place in SEGAKU!

SEGAKU: S
ELODIE: E

S: How did you become a singer? You also play violin, so have you been studying music?
E: I actually wanted to become a classical violinist from a young age. I studied classical violin from the age of 4 until about 19, and classical singing (opera) from the age of 7 until around 19 too. I then injured my arms and had to give up my dreams of playing the violin, which is when I turned to songwriting, producing and singing more seriously. So late teens I suppose is when it all became “serious”. Lately I have also begun studying orchestral composition. I am very interested in knowing how music works and why my ears favour certain sounds over others.

S: Your big debut was in the gaming community when you made the credits theme for the reedition of Abe’s Oddysee. How did this happen?
E: I actually befriended the co-creator of Oddworld, Lorne Lanning. He was, and still is, a great supporter of my talent and suggested Born To Love You be used in the end credits of the game.

S: Are you a gamer?
E: Yes, absolutely. I am about to start posting “Let’s Play” on my Youtube account.

S: Do you have a favorite game or movie soundtrack?
E: Yes, definitely. The Final Fantasy game series soundtracks are a huge inspiration to me… especially the piano collections arranged by Nobuo Uematsu. Also the Silent Hill soundtracks. I love Akira Yamaoka’s work that includes vocals as well.

S: When looking up your name on Youtube, one can see you’ve been singing covers of anime and videogame themes at cons. For how long have you been doing it?
E: I actually sung at anime/game conventions when I was just starting out in my late teens. My first professional gig was at the largest venue in my hometown of Melbourne in front of 1600 people at a con actually!

S: How did you go from singing at cons to recording your own music?
E: It was sort of a natural progression for me. I am actually a music producer myself, so I write and arrange all the instruments/synths/beats used in my original tracks as well as sing. As I learnt more about the craft of creating a song I wanted to get more involved in working and writing in studios so I ended up getting hooked on recording! I now do more work in studios than I do live performing.

S: What are your plans for the immedate future?
E: I’m actually focusing on my online presence now, so posting almost daily videos on my Youtube channel from today.

S: What is your opinion on Japanese music (and Japanese inspired music) abroad?
E: I grew up studying the Japanese language and was heavily involved in the Japanese side of pop culture; anime/manga/video games/jpop etc The Japanese singer Utada Hikaru actually inspired me to begin songwriting myself.
I think recently we have seen a rise in the popularity of Kpop, moreso than Jpop as Kpop is compositionally more similar to Western pop than Jpop, visually as well as audibly. For example, Psy, Big Bang and 2NE1 have almost become household names amongst online music communities because they are relatable in some way.

S: What would you tell to someone who is just beginning in the music world?
E: First and foremost work on mastering your skills. Learn how to use and take care of your voice/instrument. It is the most valuable investment you can make. Also, be careful where you place your trust.